Pre-eminent African law firm Bowmans has once again been recognised as a leading legal advisor on complex, cross-border M&A and private equity transactions in East Africa.

The firm topped the DealMakers East Africa legal advisor league table by deal flow and placed second by deal value in the M&A Category; placed second by both transaction flow and value in the General Corporate Finance Category; and was recognised for advising on the deal named Ansarada Private Equity Deal of the Year (East Africa).

Richard Harney, SC, founding and senior partner of Bowmans Kenya, was named the PSG Capital Individual DealMaker of the Year (East Africa). Harney's recognition further underscores his legacy in the region and follows his being conferred the rank of senior counsel in Kenya late last year. The conferment recognises outstanding advocates for exemplary service to the nation and their contributions to the development of law.

He says, 'It's a great honour to be recognised in this way. I'm very grateful to all those who have supported me in my career – my partners, my team members, my family and our great clients. It's been a privilege to the able to make a contribution to the growth of Kenya's economy and that of the broader East African region.'

In the deal named Ansarada Private Equity Deal of the Year (East Africa), the exit by LeapFrog Investments from Goodlife Pharmacy, Bowmans advised LeapFrog Investments on its sale to CFAO Healthcare, which is part of the Toyota Tsusho Corporation. The transaction represents one of the largest private equity-led retail pharmacy exits in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is transformative in that it has helped accelerate a modern pharmacy retail category that previously did not exist in East Africa.
Managing partner of Bowmans Kenya, Paras Shah says, 'East Africa continues to anchor regional M&A activity. Bowmans has played a key role in most of the high value and complex deals in the region – a testament to our depth and knowledge of this key African market.  I am very proud of our multi-specialist teams in the region.'